The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially confirmed that people suffering from 57 specific health conditions could qualify for £441 Attendance Allowance payments.
This benefit aims to support individuals who need personal care due to severe physical or mental disabilities and are at or above the state pension age.
With the cost of living increasing, this financial support is crucial for many elderly and disabled individuals in the UK. Let’s explore eligibility, payment rates, and the full list of conditions that could make you entitled to this benefit.
What Is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit, meaning it is not affected by your income, savings, or financial assets. It is paid to people who have a disability severe enough that they require help or supervision from another person.
It does not cover mobility needs, but receiving it can increase the amount of other benefits you already get, such as Pension Credit or Housing Benefit.
DWP £441 Payment Amount for 2025/26
The Attendance Allowance is paid at two different rates based on how much care you require.
| Rate Type | Weekly Amount | 4-Week Total | Care Needs Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Rate | £73.90 | £295.60 | Need frequent help or supervision during the day or at night. |
| Higher Rate | £110.40 | £441.60 | Need help or supervision day and night, or terminally ill. |
Payments are made every four weeks, so those on the higher rate receive £441.60 per four weeks.
Who Is Eligible?
You may qualify for this payment if:
- You are of State Pension age or older.
- You have a physical or mental disability that requires personal care or supervision.
- You have had care needs for at least six months, unless you are terminally ill.
- You live in the UK and meet residency conditions.
Full List of 57 Health Conditions Eligible for the £441 Payment
Below are the 57 health conditions the DWP has listed that can qualify someone for Attendance Allowance:
- Arthritis
- Spondylosis
- Back pain (unspecified diagnosis)
- Disease of the muscles, bones or joints
- Trauma to limbs
- Visual disorders and diseases
- Hearing disorders
- Heart disease
- Respiratory diseases (including asthma and cystic fibrosis)
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Epilepsy
- Neurological diseases (e.g., Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Motor neurone disease)
- Chronic pain syndromes
- Diabetes mellitus
- Metabolic disease
- Traumatic paraplegia/tetraplegia
- Major trauma
- Learning difficulties
- Psychosis / Psychoneurosis / Personality disorder
- Dementia / Behavioural disorder
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- Hyperkinetic syndrome
- Renal disorders
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Stomach or bowel diseases
- Blood disorders / Haemophilia
- Multi-system disorders
- Multiple allergy syndrome
- Skin disease
- Malignant disease (cancer)
- Severe mental impairment
- Double amputee
- Deaf/blind
- Haemodialysis
- Frailty
- Total parenteral nutrition
- AIDS
- Covid-19
- Tuberculosis
- Malaria and other infectious diseases
- Cognitive disorders (unspecified)
- Terminal illness
- Unknown cause of disability
How to Apply for Attendance Allowance
Applying for Attendance Allowance is straightforward:
- Get the claim form (AA1) from the GOV.UK website or call the DWP helpline.
- Complete the form thoroughly, detailing your health condition and how it affects daily life.
- Submit supporting medical documents from your doctor or specialist.
- Send the form by post to the address on the form.
If your claim is successful, your payments will be backdated to the date your application was received.
The DWP’s confirmation that 57 health conditions can qualify for Attendance Allowance offers crucial financial help to thousands of UK residents. With payments of up to £441 every four weeks, this benefit helps cover the cost of personal care for those most in need.
If you have one of the listed conditions and need help with daily living, it’s essential to apply as soon as possible to access this vital support.
FAQs
Is Attendance Allowance taxable?
No, Attendance Allowance is completely tax-free and does not reduce other benefits.
Can I get Attendance Allowance if I live in a care home?
You can only get it if you pay for your care home costs yourself.
Do I need a diagnosis to apply?
No, you do not need a confirmed diagnosis, only proof that you need daily care or supervision.
